Loads of laughs in Durban

Funny fellows… from left are Rory Petzer, Robby Collins and Stuart Taylor.

…………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………….. BY BILLY SUTER

DURBAN comedy fans have a lot to look forward to in coming days, starting at 8pm tonight and tomorrow (April 27 and 28) with a debut solo show by on-the-rise local funnyman Andrew Hughes.

Also lined up for Durban is a new festival of stand-up comedy events, at various venues, by On Fire Entertainment and Savanna Cider. These events are on May 2, 4 and 5.

Hughes, now based in Durban but originally from Ixopo, is a 33-year-old who has been touring with some bigger names in the industry, but In Living Colour(ed) marks his first solo production.

Described as “a clean comedy show” suitable for all ages, it will be performed at Durban’s Bat Centre on the Victoria Embankment. Tickets cost R100 each and can be bought via Quicket.co.za or at the door.

Hughes entered the comedy arena in 2016, and last year was nominated in the Newcomer category of the Comics Choice Awards. He has toured with Carvin Goldstone and has also shared stages with Joey Rasdien, Kagiso Lediga, Marc Lottering, and Donovan and Jason Goliath.

“The title of my show is inspired by the comedy series In Living Color which used to air on TV in the early ’90s and starred comedians like Keenan Wayans and Jim Carrey,” says Hughes.

Durban comic Andrew Hughes.

“I’ve also called it In Living Colour(ed) because I am coloured but I look black. There are coloured people who look Indian and some look white as well. We come from different backgrounds and have amazing stories to tell.

“In Living Colour(ed) is partly a celebration of my story on stage. The show will incorporate a lot of storytelling about growing up coloured and as a South African as well.

“It will touch on themes like relationships and the colourful shenanigans in South African Parliament and politics – among other universal topics. The aim is to tell stories that we can all relate to regardless of racial background or age.”

The first of the On Fire Entertainment events will be at Amsterdam, 143 Helen Joseph Road, Glenwood, at 8.30pm on Wednesday, May 2. The lineup will include Mmangaliso Mhlongo, Nonto R, Kwanda Radebe and Q Dube. Tickets (R50) will be available at the door on the night. More information from (031) 811 5449.

Hillcrest’s Butler’s Restaurant, 24 Old Main Road, is the place to be from 8.30pm on Friday, May 4, when the mirth-makers will include Robby Collins, Stuart Taylor, Rory Petzer and Q Dube. Tickets cost R100 for this gig and will be available at the venue on the night.

From 8pm on Saturday, May 5, the Gateway Hotel near the Wave Park in Umhlanga will host Robby Collins, Stuart Taylor, Kamz Govender, Leah Jasmine, Sbu Mnyandu, Spencer Govender, Nonto R, Darrien Asbury and Mfundo Ndovela. Tickets cost R120 each if booked at Computicket or R150 each at the door on the night.